Alabama has received failing grades in every category of the American Lung Association's annual "State of Tobacco Control" report, raising concerns about the state's approach to reducing tobacco use.

Released earlier this month, the report highlights Alabama's lack of progress in implementing policies that could help curb tobacco-related illnesses and deaths. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the state, claiming 8,650 lives each year. Nearly 14.2% of Alabama adults smoke cigarettes, a rate higher than the national average, while 24.9% use tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Among high school students, 18.6% use tobacco, increasing the risk of lifelong nicotine addiction.

The report assigned Alabama failing grades in five key areas:

• Funding for state tobacco prevention programs
• Strength of smokefree workplace laws
• Level of state tobacco taxes
• Coverage and access to services to quit tobacco
• Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products

The findings highlight the need for stronger state policies, particularly in ensuring access to tobacco cessation resources for Medicaid recipients, according to the Lung Association. Expanding Medicaid coverage to include all seven FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications and all three forms of counseling — without copays or prior authorization — could significantly reduce smoking rates and related health care costs.

"The tobacco industry has deployed increasingly aggressive tactics to addict a new generation to tobacco and hinder proven public policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use," senior director of advocacy for the Lung Association Ashley Lyerly said in a news release. "Here in Alabama, we are seeing tobacco industry lobbyists working to stop or weaken proven tobacco control policies. The tobacco industry is also introducing new products that appeal to youth like e-cigarettes that mimic smartphones, kid-friendly flavors and flavored nicotine pouches that are heavily marketed by social media influencers."

Lyerly added that the state should implement a comprehensive tobacco retail licensing program to enforce existing laws, pass stronger local smokefree ordinances, and ensure Medicaid recipients have full access to quit-smoking treatments.

The "State of Tobacco Control" report, published annually since 2002, evaluates state and federal policies on tobacco prevention and cessation. Nationally, this year's report calls on Congress to increase funding for the FDA to enforce regulations against illegal e-cigarettes, which have flooded the market.

According to the report, state grades in "State of Tobacco Control" reflect actions taken by elected officials and do not reflect on the hard work of state tobacco control programs or advocates.

To view the full report and sign a petition supporting stronger tobacco control measures, visit www.Lung.org/sotc.